Girls As Leaders
Girls As Leaders (GALs) provides a safe and comfortable environment for young women in middle school to take an active role in improving their self-confidence and equipping them with the skills necessary for success into high school and beyond. The positive development curriculum is enriched through activities designed to engage participants in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) areas.
The GALs program is held three times a week for two hours at the Danbury Youth Services office. DYS runs fifteen-week sessions in both the fall and spring semesters as well as a six-week session over the summer. Up to fifteen female participants from grades 6, 7, and 8 are invited to participate in each session.
Program Objectives
The goal of the GALs program is for participants develop positive leadership skills, strengthen social skills and practice more effective communication to improve their self-confidence and promote academic and vocational success. Participants will improve social skills leading to more effective communication with family, friends and teachers. Participants identify their personal strengths and goals and develop insight into the possibilities for young women in high school, post-secondary education and the work force. When young women are able to appreciate themselves and focus on their strengths, they are far more likely to achieve their goals. GALs provides a unique opportunity to female students attending Danbury Middle Schools to learn the skills they need to be leaders in their community.
“If it was not for the love and support of my sisters in the GALs Club, I wouldn’t be where I am today. GALs was more than a group, it was family. GALs taught me to be myself, and even showed me who I am. ”
